Joe Conway (Independent)

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 3, between lines 10 and 11, to insert the following: "Local authorities funding

2. A minimum of 20 per cent of the increased borrowing capacity shall be reserved for local authorities with populations under 150,000. The Housing Finance Agency shall consult with these authorities on a quarterly basis to identify priority housing needs and barriers to accessing finance. The funding shall be reviewed annually and be subject to approval from the Minister."

This is a very short and reasonable amendment. As many of us here in this House who are directly responsive and freagrach do chomhairleoirí, answerable to councillors, know, and the Minister of State and I know from our time on Waterford City and County Council, very often councillors complain that they do not get clearly accessible and readable information on housing matters from central government and the quangos, such as the Housing Finance Agency. In an effort to make this a little bit more accessible to the public, but in particular our local authority members, I propose this first amendment. It ensures transparency and accountability in how public funds are distributed. It allows communities like Waterford to assess whether they are receiving equitable support compared with the other regions and empowers local advocacy if disparities arise. It also aligns with best practices in public finance oversight.